Koonwarra Community Kitchen Garden
A community Kitchen Garden was constructed in 2006 with an established herb garden, berry igloo, bush foods, fruit and nut trees, a native garden and 9 vegetable gardens already planted out. Establishment was made possible by a Community Recreation Grant from the South Gippsland Shire Council and participants in the Australian Government funded and promoted Green Corps program for 17 to 20 year olds. The young people received accredited training in Conservation and Land Management while working on projects that protect and enhance the local environment. The garden has been established with an emphasis on organics, heritage and bush food produce, designed for the elderly and disabled and available to all the community. It incorporates composting, and an educational composting display and a worm farm.
Green Corps participants putting in irrigation in the raised beds
The Koonwarra Sustainable Communities Centre is vitally involved and is proud of the involvement of the community and having been able to assist the young Green Corps participants to further their learning towards future employment.
The garden in its early stages
A chook run is another interesting addition currently under construction by the teachers and students of the South Gippsland Specialist School which uses theCentre as an additional Campus to its Leongatha site. The chooks will be free range with their fully netted run extending into the orchard. Completion of the wire roof is all that is needed for completion.
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| Herb garden and compost area |
Herb Garden |
A 5,000 gallon tank has been installed which not only supplies water to the Garden but is sufficient to provide for the whole of the Centre.
Members of the community have been invited to take up plots for their own use and this is already occurring with three local residents now enjoying the garden. The propagation shed and igloo/hothouse are also available to residents. This will be another place for villagers to meet as two seats have been constructed by the Specialist School and placed under the Persimon tree in the garden. This tree is already bearing fruit and will eventually become a lovely umbrella shade tree. Garden lovers are, of course, also welcome to have a cuppa together on the benches already under the other beautiful trees on the property.
Anyone interested in having their own space in the garden, or assisting in any way, contact us via email or ring 5664 2461.
If you are interested in meeting other people and doing some gardening, KSCC would like to her from you! Would you like to learn about organic gardening? We will help you.
It is hoped that a group can be formed and gardening working bees can also be arranged. Contact us for a chat.
The Official Launch of the Kitchen Garden following the Graduation of the Green Corps team took place on 23 October 2006. Federal Member for McMillan, Mr Russell Broadbent, presented the team with their Certificates and then cut the ribbon. Those in attendance then wandered through the Garden.
Mr Broadbent MHR returned to the Kitchen Garden on 30 November 2006 to record his Christmas message to the people of his Electorate. It was shown on Prime TV.
